Swoop Bowls

Bret Bortner invests his white porcelain bowls with a distinctive swoop, throwing a curve at classic whiteware. Versatile, generous bowl makes a contemporary, restaurant-style presentation of all sorts of dishes and is available in three sizes.

United States

If Bret Bortner had to choose a mantra it would be “simplify, simplify, simplify.” Influenced by contemporary Scandinavian and Japanese design, he creates ceramics that are clean and simple with little to no ornamentation. Whether creating a lamp or a bird feeder, Bortner begins with the simplest of forms, tempering pure function with a minimalist yet warm aesthetic.

Bortner’s career as a ceramic artist took off in 1982 when Crate and Barrel placed an order for one of his lamps, initiating a long-lasting relationship with the designer. Initially creating designs out of his garage in Dundee, Illinois, Bortner now lives and works in downtown St. Joseph, Mich. His residence includes two studios: a design studio where he creates his original models in plaster and a ceramic studio for more sculptural, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Non-furniture items are returned in good condition—unused and unwashed.

If you discover an item has a manufacturer’s defect or was damaged during transit, we will accept the item for return or exchange with proof of purchase. Without proof of purchase, the item can be exchanged only for the same item. A valid photo ID is required.

We are unable to accept any items for return or exchange without proof of purchase. Items purchased as final sale cannot be returned, exchanged or repaired.

Items must be returned to the store brand where the purchase originated or by mail (if the item was ordered online or by phone and received by mail). Purchases made outside the U.S. may only be returned to the purchase location.